Taungurung people have lived on their Country, practicing their rights and obligations to care for Country, culture and people for thousands of generations. Despite brave resistance, Taungurung people were almost entirely removed from their Country through colonisation. As a legacy, few Taungurung people live on their Country today. There are many reasons why Taungurung people continue to live off Country, both through choice and through multiple barriers to returning. For those that do wish to return, the Taungurung Land and Waters Council is developing different programs to support them in this goal.

In November 2020, the Taungurung Land and Waters Council launched its first initiative focused on supporting Community members to return to live on Country – the Bringing the Mob Back Home Initiative.

The initiative is a financial payment available to any member for costs associated with housing on, or moving to, Country. Each member may apply for a capped annual or three-year payment towards eligible expenses, including:

Rental Assistance	Rent Bond
General Assistance	Relocation costs (removalist, transport) Whitegoods, furniture and essentials (leased property only) Connection of Utilities Mortgage repayments
Purchasing Property	House Deposit
Renting with intent to purchase a property	Contribution towards rent per member per year (maximum 1 year), then House Deposit contribution

Figure 1: Bringing the Mob Back Home Eligible Expenses

Between 2020 and 2023, the Taungurung Land and Waters Council supported 20 Taungurung individuals to make the significant journey to return to live on Country through this initiative.

Taungurung Community members can find out further information, including how to apply, on the Members Portal.

The application form is also available here.